The Daily Express says Leicester manager Eriksson has failed with moves for Robbie Keane, Shane Long, Emile Heskey and Nicky Maynard already this summer and is keen to recruit a proven striker before the transfer window closes.

Beckford scored 10 goals for Everton last season and Eriksson said: “The target has always been to find a striker who can score us 20 goals in a season.

“It will be difficult because it is not always about money. The problem we have is that we are playing in the Championship.”